It's a Sign
In 1991 when we moved into this house, we wanted a dog. In an effort to spare a pup from dog jail, we went to the local Humane Society and picked out a nice Cocker Spaniel mix puppy. I named him Joe. Get it, Joe Cocker. Anyway, John was 6 years old and all excited. We could not have the dog for a few days, because he had to get fixed and lord knows what else. The day before we were to pick up Joe, I received a call from the Humane Society informing me that Joe had died of distemper or something. All of the pups in his cage met the same fate.
A good thing about pets is, children learn the meaning of death. I just did not think John would have to learn the lesson so quickly. Well a short time later, we saw a sign at a vet's office about a free black puppy to a good home. We went inside and met Hobo the dog we would have for the next 13 years.
Now, present day, we were getting used to being dogless when the vet called us about another pup. He was a nice lab mix, 9 months old, and very sweet. We mulled the decision over and over. Some of you have given your two cents worth. Yesterday, I grew the balls to call Dr. Maher and tell him we wanted to see the little pup.
Dr. Maher got on the phone and said, I have this great dog for you. He is a full breed black lab and 2 years old. He has papers, good stock, good genes, and he is trained. The owners divorced and for some reason need to get rid of him.
I asked Dr. Maher, "What about the 9 month old medium sized dog?" The doctor told me he was given away already.
Is this some sort of sign, we settle on one dog, but get the second one? I talked to Barbara about the lab. She is beaten down now and has stopped protesting. Then I called the vet back to say we wanted to see the new dog.
"By the way," I asked, "what is his name?" "Bear," the doctor replied. Now that's what I call a sign. "Bear," was my mom's last husband Warren's nickname.
I called John and Barbara to share the news. They were both doing the Twilight Zone theme in their heads I am sure. Then I told Barbara, "Now try telling my mother we aren't getting the dog." History repeating itself with the dog bait and switch is one thing, but the dog's name as bear constitutes a real sign - or maybe I am just looking for an excuse to get another dog. Naaaaa.
We go meet Bear today at 6:00 PM.
Until the next time
John Strain